01 BZM2 Mastering Ur Future - Fundamentals

1
FUNDAMENTALS
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BAZI MASTERY 2
MASTERING YOUR FUTURE
1
Topic
Fundamentals
• The Ten Heavenly Stems
• The 12 Earthly Branches
• The Hidden Stems
• The Strength of the 5 Elements
• The 5 Stages of Qi
• Earthly Branches 6 Clashes
• Earthly Branches 6 Harms
• Earthly Branches Punishments
• The Five Elements
• The Five Elements Classics
• Strength of Elements
• Death and Emptiness
1.Fundamentals
The Ten Heavenly Stems
STEMS DESCRIPTION
十甲 Jia
Yang Wood
Think huge, chunky trees. We’re talking about
teak and oak trees - the kind that grow really
huge and tower above the forests. (Key qualities:
Steady, forthright, direct, stern)
天
Think creepers, flowers and grass - the kind of
乙 Yi plants that are usually used to beautify homes.
Yin Wood (Key qualities: Flexible, adaptable, fickle)
You need no better example than the sun! (Key

丙Bing qualities: Generous, open, sincere, just, upright,
干
Yang Fire noble)
Elton John’s ‘Candle in the Wind’ comes to mind.

丁Ding
Something gentle that illuminates yet doesn’t
appear threatening. (Key qualities: Meticulous,
Yin Fire
detail-driven, sentimental, good motivators)
The great rocks and boulders - something like

戊 Wu
the Colorado Rockies or the Grand Canyon in
the USA. (Key qualities: Trustworthy, loyal,
Yang Earth
dependable, solid, stubborn)
Soil, soft sand...the sort of earth that is used to

己 Ji grow wood and paddy. (Key qualities: Nurturing,
Yin Earth tolerant, productive, resourceful)
A sword or an axe would be a good example!

庚Geng
Something tough, unyielding that is usually
used to cut into other materials. (Key qualities:
Yang Metal
Enduring, tough, altruistic)
We’re talking about polished ornaments and flashy

辛 Xin
jewelries here! A ring or gold chain would qualify
as good examples. (Key qualities: Attention-
Yin Metal
grabbers, sentimental, value relationships)
Think the great oceans of the world, roaring

rapids...Niagara Falls! Think of the power they
壬Ren generate that we’re even able to tap into them for
Yang Water hydroelectric energy. (Key qualities: Intelligent,
adaptive, extroverts, rebellious)
癸 Gui
Mists, dew, rain...these are a few examples of
‘softer, gentler’ water. (Key qualities: Imaginative,
Yin Water creative, good teachers, introverts)
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1.Fundamentals
The 12 Earthly Branches
The 12 Earthly Branches
十
Now, where the 10 Heavenly Stems occupy the upper half of a BaZi Chart,
the 12 Earthly Branches are the characters that form a Chart’s lower half.
Just as you did the Heavenly Stems, you are advised to memorize the
Earthly Branches too.
Please remember that the animal signs - which are similar to the 12 zodiac
二
animals used in Chinese Lunar Calendars - are NOT what they appear to be!
These animal names are merely used to represent the Qi of the 12 Earthly
Branches. In other words, we use animal names to identify the Earthly
Branches.
寅 Yin Tiger Yang Wood Feb 3 am - 5 am
地春
SPRING
卯
辰
Mao
Chen
Rabbit
Dragon
Yin Wood
Yang Earth
Mar
Apr
5 am - 7 am
7 am - 9 am
支
巳 Si Snake Yin Fire May 9 am - 11 am
夏午 Wu Horse Yang Fire Jun 11 am - 1 pm

SUMMER
未 Wei Goat Yin Earth Jul 1 pm - 3 pm
申 Shen Monkey Yang Metal Aug 3 pm - 5 pm
秋酉 You Rooster Yin Metal Sep 5 pm - 7pm

AUTUMN
戌 Xu Dog Yang Earth Oct 7 pm - 9 pm
亥 Hai Pig Yin Water Nov 9 pm - 11 pm
冬子 Zi Rat Yang Water Dec 11 pm - 1 am

WINTER
丑 Chou Ox Yin Earth Jan 1 am - 3 am
As you can also see from the compact table above, the 12 Earthly Branches
also represent time, in hours. This is the traditional, ancient Chinese way of
telling time - by assigning the hours of the day to animal names. 1 Chinese
hour is equivalent to 2 standard Western hours (i.e. 1 Chinese hour = 2
Western hours).
In addition to the hours, the 12 Earthly Branches are also used to denote
the months and seasons of the year - in accordance with the Chinese Solar
Calendar - with each specific Branch having its own Elemental Polarity (e.g.
Yin 陰 being of the Yang Wood element) as well.
1-3
1.Fundamentals
The Hidden Stems 藏干
Earthly Branches each contain or store certain ‘Heavenly Stems’. These

HEAVEN Stems are known as Hidden Stems, and in turn store hidden Qi. The Hidden
天 Stems also represent the Man part of the Cosmic Trinity; thereby completing
Tian a BaZi Chart in the context of the Cosmic Trinity with the Heavenly Stems
representing Heaven and the Earthly Branches representing Earth. A BaZi
The
Cosmic analysis can only be complete if we know the Hidden Stems contained
MAN Trinity Earth in each of the Earthly Branches appearing on a BaZi Chart; otherwise it
人地 would be like reading a book without knowing what the story is all about!
Ren Di
Here’s a fact: The true nature of a Branch is determined by the main

element (i.e. Main Qi) hidden inside that Earthly Branch. Some Branches
contain only 1 stem, while other branches contain up to 3 stems. When we
look at Hidden Stems, our primary concern is the Main Qi of the stems, as
the Main Qi is the core Qi of a particular Hidden Stem. Also, the Yin/Yang
polarity of the Earthly Branches can be different from the polarity of the
Main Qi of the corresponding Hidden Stems. For instance, Wu午 (Horse)
has a Yang polarity, but its Hidden Stems contain Ding丁(Yin) Fire and Ji
己(Yin) Earth!
You may find it easier to remember the order and affiliation of the Hidden
Stems, if you divide them into these 3 categories:
The Four Cardinals (四正)
四正藏干
The 4 Cardinals Hidden Stems
子 Zi 癸Gui
Rat Yin Water
午 Wu 丁Ding
己 Ji
Horse Yin Fire Yin Earth
卯 Mao 乙 Yi
Rabbit Yin Wood
酉 You 辛Xin
Rooster Yin Metal
The Four Cardinals are the ‘direct’ or pure Qi Earthly Branches. They all
contain Yin Hidden Stems, and only Wu 午(Horse) has 2 Hidden Stems.
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1.Fundamentals
The Hidden Stems 藏干
The Four Growths (四生)
四生藏干
The 4 Growths Hidden Stems
寅 Yin 甲 Jia
丙Bing
戊 Wu
Tiger Yang Wood Yang Fire Yang Earth
申 Shen 庚Geng
壬Ren
戊 Wu
Monkey Yang Metal Yang Water Yang Earth
巳 Si 丙Bing
戊Wu
庚Geng
Snake Yang Fire Yang Earth Yang Metal
亥 Hai 壬Ren
甲 Jia
Pig Yang Water Yang Wood
With the exception of Hai 亥 (Pig), all the other Branches that constitute the
Four Growths have 3 Hidden Stems each. The Four Growths are known as
such, as they are positioned in the growth stage of Qi, also called Chang
Sheng (長生) characters.
The Four Graveyards (四墓)
四墓藏干
The 4 Graveyards Hidden Stems
辰 Chen 戊 Wu
乙 Yi
癸 Gui
Dragon Yang Earth Yin Wood Yin Water
戌 Xu 戊 Wu
辛Xin
丁Ding
Dog Yang Earth Yin Metal Yin Fire
丑 Chou 己 Ji
癸Gui
辛 Xin
Ox Yin Earth Yin Water Yin Metal
未 Wei 己 Ji
丁Ding
乙 Yi
Goat Yin Earth Yin Fire Yin Wood
Morbid as this name may sound, the Four Graveyards are merely a
reference to identify the 4 Earth element Earthly Branches. After all, Chen
辰 (Dragon), Wei 未(Goat), Xu 戌(Dog) and Chou 丑(Ox) represent Earth,
although their polarity may differ! Each of the Four Graveyards contains 2
Yin Hidden Stems.
1-5
1.Fundamentals
The Strength of the 5 Elements
When we talk about the Strength of the Five Elements (Wu Xing 五行),
we are, in effect, referring to the phases of Qi which these Elements
represent, as determined by the following factors:
• Time (the Seasons)

• Location (in a BaZi Chart)
• Formation (in a BaZi Chart)
And for your information, the factor of Time is the most important of the
three; contributing approximately 70% of the Strength of an Element.
The Location factor contributes approximately 25%, while the Formation
factor contributes the remaining 5%.
The Seasons: The Strongest Factor in Determining the Strength of

the Elements
The Day Master
Your Day Master is also known as your Self Element, as its appearance
by itself in a BaZi Chart already presents a fairly detailed analysis of your
personality, characteristics, strengths and weaknesses.
Ultimately, the strength of a BaZi Chart is determined by the strength of

your Day Master. And to determine how strong your Day Master is, a
comparison must first be made to the season (i.e. month) of your Birth.
The strength of each of the 5 Elements fluctuates in accordance with the
seasons of the year, and this adheres with the concept of Yin and Yang!
1-6
1.Fundamentals
When we talk about the strength of the Day Master, we are talking about
its strength in relation to seasonal Qi. Once again, you must be familiarly-
acquainted with the Productive, Controlling and Weakening Cycles, and
able to think pictorially.
Pharse
旺相休囚死
Prosperous Strong Weak Trap Dead
Season
春木火水金土
Spring Wood Fire Water Metal Earth
夏火土木水金
Summer Fire Earth Wood Water Metal
秋金水土火木
Autumn Metal Water Earth Fire Wood
冬水木金土火
Winter Water Wood Metal Earth Fire
The Strength of the Elements, according to the Four Seasons of the Year
• Spring
Now, trees grow and flourish in spring, don’t they? So, Wood would
be at its strongest in Spring. And Wood also produces Fire, which
hence makes Fire a strong element in Spring, too. But when Wood
is Prosperous, it naturally consumes a lot of Water and therefore
weakens Water. So, Water is weak in Spring. Likewise, Metal is
virtually exhausted when it is used to counter extremely strong Wood,
so Metal is trapped in Spring (meaning the seasonal Qi is very weak).
Of course, when Wood is too strong, it will also exert too strong a
control on Earth, and this will literally put Earth in a Dead position.
(Clue: If you think in terms of Qi, then when one Qi is too strong and
saps another Qi of its strength, the Qi sapped becomes very weak!)
1-7
1.Fundamentals
• Summer
Summer’s the hottest time of the year, so obviously Fire is the most
prosperous element. Fire produces Earth, therefore making Earth
strong as well in Summer. But Wood is consumed by Fire, and since
Fire’s extremely strong in Summer, Wood is weak. Likewise, the heat
of Summer also causes Water to evaporate - Water is Trapped in
Summer. And don’t forget that Fire controls Metal. When we have too
powerful a Fire, what happens to Metal? It literally melts.
• Autumn
Metal is at its most prosperous in Autumn, and in other words, in

season. Metal produces Water, so Water’s strong in Autumn too. But
when too much Metal is extracted from the Earth, Earth becomes
weak. Of course, an extremely strong Metal would also sap the Fire
of its strength, rendering it Trapped in Autumn. And Wood, which is
controlled and weakened by Metal, becomes Dead when Metal is at
its height.
• Winter
Winter brings about it snow and ice - all Water elements. And when
there’s plenty of Water, plenty of Wood is also produced - making
Wood strong in Winter. But strong Wood weakens Metal, too. Now,
Earth controls Water, but when there’s too much Water and the
ground is frozen in Winter, Earth becomes Trapped. Of course, you
need no further explanation as to why Fire is weakest in Winter - it’s
really cold then.
As such, a prosperous Day Master is one that is born during the peak of
its Season. As the Day Master is represented by one of the Five Elements
in the Heavenly Stems, we can also describe a prosperous Day Master
as the Element that is born in the Season in which it is at its strongest. In
other words, a prosperous Day Master’s birth is also considered a timely
birth.
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1.Fundamentals
Earth Months
Do note as well that BaZi practitioners sometimes recognize the presence

of 5 (Five), instead of just 4 (Four) Seasons. Think of it this way: There
are Five Elements, but only Four Seasons. Hence, what is the ‘season’
of Earth?
In this context, Earth is interpreted uniquely, by determining the ‘ending’

month of each Season. For instance, the Chen 辰 (Dragon) Month is
the last month of Spring, so those born in this Month are considered to
have ‘Spring Earth’. Likewise, the Wei 未 (Goat) Month is considered
the last month of Summer and therefore regarded as ‘Summer Earth’.
Consummating this concept are the Xu 戌 (Dog) and Chou 丑 (Ox) Months,
which are regarded as ‘Autumn Earth’ and ‘Winter Earth’, respectively.
For easy reference, look at the following table:
Earth Months Seasons
Chen 辰 (Dragon) Spring Earth
Wei 未 (Goat) Summer Earth
Xu 戌 (Dog) Autumn Earth
Chou 丑 (Ox) Winter Earth
1-9
1.Fundamentals
The 5 Stages of Qi
As the strength of the Five Elements represent the strength of Qi - and

inevitably, the strength of the Day Master (or Self Element) and a BaZi
Chart - it is important for you to understand the different stages of Qi.
Remember; Qi fluctuates and changes with the passing of time, but with
knowledge of the particular Qi strength or phase at a particular point in time,
we’re able to derive significant insights into a BaZi Chart’s attributes.
In other words, by understanding what Prosperous, Strong, Weak, Trap

and Dead mean, vis-à-vis Qi stages or phases, you’ll also be able to better
appreciate the importance of the Time factor - and seasons - in evaluating
a person’s BaZi.
旺 Qi is prosperous, thriving and in perfect timing

at this stage. In other words, Qi - at its peak or
Prosperous strongest - is denoted as Wang Qi.
Growing, upcoming and hence, vibrant, Qi is

considered to be Strong. And where such Qi
相 is prevalent, the more prominent characteristics
Strong or attributes of a BaZi Chart - such as the
Self Element - may be expected to manifest
themselves.
Xiu Qi is Qi that is at its ebb or retreating

休 stages. This type of Qi is hence exhausted and
weakening. You may think of Xiu Qi as a tired-
Weak out man, who is unable to put a foot ahead of
him, even to save his own life.
Qi that is trapped, slow moving and therefore

囚 not growing is also known as Qiu Qi. Such Qi
Trap is weak, and its characteristics or attributes are
usually inconspicuous or even almost invisible.
死 As its name implies, Si - or Dead - Qi indicates,

quite literally, the absence of life force or vitality.
Dead Qi is stagnant and unproductive.
Above all, remember that 3 factors determine the strength of Qi (as

represented by the 5 Elements):
1. Season
2. Location
3. Formation
1 - 10
1.Fundamentals
Earthly Branches 6 Clashes 地支相沖
What is a Clash?
地 A Clash (Chong 沖), in BaZi, involves an opposing or repelling relationship

between the Earthly Branches - based on their respective elements or
contrasting attributes of their elements.
支
Now, each Earthly Branch represents a specific position of the Earth, in
relation to the sun, as the former orbits around the latter. The Earthly
Branches that have a Clash relationship with one another are those that
have opposing planetary positions.
相
An Earthly Branches Clash is a harbinger of challenges, obstacles,
deterrents, interruptions and difficulties in life. In other words, a Clash
represents opposition, change and sometimes, the loss or removal of
something - or someone.
沖
A Clash can manifest in a myriad of ways. In some instances, it could mean
an incompatibility with a situation or path you’ve chosen. At other times,
it could also cause a person to lose something, such as wealth, or even a
spouse or a company. A Clash can also mean physical harm or danger
such as an accident; or a problem or incompatibility with certain people
such as a spouse, family member, friend or business partner.
1 - 11
1.Fundamentals
The Circumstances leading to a Clash
The following table shows which Earthly Branches have a Clash relationship
with one another:
子沖午
Zi Wu
Rat
Clashes Horse
丑沖未
Chou Wei
Ox
Clashes Goat
寅沖申
Yin Shen
Tiger
Clashes Monkey
卯沖酉
Mao You
Rabbit
Clashes Rooster
辰沖戌
Chen Xu
Dragon
Clashes Dog
巳沖亥
Si Hai
Snake
Clashes Pig
Bear in mind that the Earthly Branches that have a Clash relationship with
each other MUST be NEXT to one another in a BaZi Chart, in order to be
considered a Clash in BaZi. If the two Branches involved skip - or are
separated - by even a pillar, this is not considered a Clash in the strictest
sense of the relationship; although the Clash may still be activated under
certain, special circumstances, or may impact on the person whose BaZi
Chart we are analyzing in a mild or moderated form.
You already know that each Clash brings about a unique outcome;
depending on the type of Clash taking place, as well as its severity, the
elements involved and whether the Ten Gods are implicated in the Clash.
Generally speaking, a Clash would tend to bring about one of the following
outcomes:
• Loss of relationship; • Loss of object or possession;

• Loss of job; • Loss of wealth; or
• A Moving-House Clash.
Obviously, the description of each of the preceding outcomes brought

about by a Clash speaks for itself.
1 - 12
1.Fundamentals
The Implications of a Clash

Remember; to see or perceive a Clash as something negative or unfavorable
is a generally oversimplified approach!
Obviously, this sort of blanket approach is not always correct. Although

a Clash is usually an uncomfortable and unpleasant circumstance to
encounter, that does NOT always mean that it is bad or negative.
Ask yourself: Isn’t a Clash that removes an unfavorable element in a BaZi

Chart a good Clash, after all? Likewise, a Clash that shakes a person out of
his or her lethargy or complacency - or makes him or her a better person - is
indeed not a bad thing to have around.
Sometimes, a Clash brings about unfavorable outcomes, but sometimes, it

does serve as a cloud with a silver lining behind it - in the form of a lesson
or problem or challenge, perhaps - that brings about positive lessons and
outcomes.
It is hence all about how we perceive things. Sometimes, we all need a little
adversity - or jolt - in life because it is usually under adverse circumstances
that we are able to build upon our character, and see our true strengths and
capabilities.
Above all, do bear in mind that a Clash in a BaZi Chart represents an

astronomical clash, involving the planetary positions, in relation to the Chart
in question. Rather than subscribing to the New Age approach of wearing
certain animal pendants to ‘cure’ or ‘combine away’ a Clash, the cure in the
case of Classical, authentic BaZi is always ACTION.
As a student of Classical BaZi, you should know better - it’s NOT about
what we wear, or don’t wear.
The solution to a problem or circumstance brought about by a Clash is to

know HOW to deal with it when it strikes, or be prepared for its potential
outcomes. Besides, would it not be infinitely wiser to focus on what you
must and can do - and what you should avoid doing - rather than wasting
your precious time and energy on the things you’re supposed to wear
for ‘good luck’ or ‘protection’, since ultimately, Classical BaZi has NO
superstitious or spiritual connotations whatsoever?
1 - 13
1.Fundamentals
Earthly Branches 6 Harms 地支相害
Understanding Harms
地 From the very word ‘Harm害’ itself, it should be evident that this type of
relationship between the Earthly Branches signifies a situation or scenario or
outcome that is detrimental to the person whose BaZi Chart is affected.
支
At the most basic level, a Harm generally brings about the feeling of betrayal
for the person where this relationship happens to be present in his or her
BaZi Chart. A Harm usually involves the feeling or thought that you’ve been
somehow put into a tormenting, difficult or even dangerous situation; no
thanks to someone else.
相 Harms are - by and large - more unpleasant than Clashes for several reasons.
Firstly, Harms are frequently emotional in nature, since the impact of a Harm
usually lingers on or takes time to resolve, thereby making a Harm usually
害
mentally torturous. Secondly, Harms tend to come out of the blue and as
such, are often unexpected or unforeseeable. More often than not, you
can brace or prepare yourself for a Clash - be it psychologically, mentally
or physically - but a Harm usually sneaks up on you and catches you off-
guard! And because the effects of the Harm also tend to linger on, it further
compounds or complicates matters.
Simple examples of a Harm relationship include someone stealing your

ideas or innovations you’ve developed with him or her, and taking undue
credit for what is not really his or hers. Another example to illustrate a
Harm relationship is when your so-called best friend finds out that you fancy
someone, and actively and deliberately pursues a relationship with that
special someone.
In either case, it hurts, doesn’t it?
When does a Harm take place?
1 - 14
1.Fundamentals
The following table shows which Earthly Branches produce a Harm relationship
with one another:
子害未
Zi Wei
Rat Harm Goat
寅害巳
Yin Si
Tiger Harm Snake
申害亥
Shen Hai
Monkey Harm Pig
丑害午
Chou Wu
Ox Harm Horse
卯害辰
Mao Chen
Rabbit Harm Dragon
戌害酉
Xu You
Dog Harm Rooster
Just as in the case of Clashes, the two Earthly Branches with a Harm
relationship must appear side-by-side in a BaZi Chart, in order for a Harm
to take place between them. As you can guess, where there is a separation
between the Branches that have a Harm relationship, the impact of the Harm
is reduced significantly.
Each type of Harm relationship is unique and carries a distinct interpretation

and scenario, in addition to the layers of interpretation brought about by the
element and the Ten Gods. But above all, do bear in mind that whenever
unpleasant things happen to someone, there is usually never, ever one true
cause of the problem in itself.
Life, after all, is complicated and complex; and as such, problems in life also
tend to be complicated and BaZi reflects this complexity. More often than not
in a BaZi Chart, more than one activity is going on at the same time and all
these work together to bring about a certain outcome or scenario. In other
words, do bear in mind that the problem at hand is not always caused by just
the Harm alone - but a myriad or plethora of diverse factors working in tandem
with one another!
Handling Harms
1 - 15
1.Fundamentals
A Harm, of course, usually takes us by surprise, but it is only able to do

that often because we are careless, complacent, or have taken things for
granted. It is, as such, often the case that a Harm occurs because we’ve
been irresponsible, slacking-off or simply kept out of the loop with regard to
certain important information.
The best way to handle a Harm is by being careful and prudent in all of
our dealings - personal and professional. Of course, it would also help
tremendously NOT to assume that a Harm is always bad, for that matter.
While a Harm can undeniably feel like you’ve been shortchanged or
betrayed, it also does tend to carry an important lesson at the end of the
day - the proverbial gray cloud with a silver lining behind it. And indeed, once
the feeling has passed, you may well wonder what all the fuss was about, in
the first place!
The correct philosophy and approach towards Harms, in BaZi, is hence to

try to learn from our mistakes or misdeeds, and move on with life - wiser
and more experienced. Being paralyzed by the past or what has happened
would not really benefit us; so why not take the lesson learnt to heart, pick
ourselves up and know that should the same situation come along again in
the future, we would be better-prepared to face it?
That, in essence, summarizes why we study BaZi, in the first place.
1 - 16
1.Fundamentals
Earthly Branches Punishments 地支相刑
The Punished and the Punisher
地
The Punishment (Xing 刑) Relationship is one of the more complex relationships
between the Earthly Branches that can be found in a BaZi Chart. Unfortunately,
this relationship is often not very well-understood, since even many books
dealing with this subject in particular tend to be vague in their explanation of
this type of relationship.
支 A Punishment Relationship can essentially be explained as a situation that is

caused by something done in the past that comes back to haunt a person. In
other words, it is something we’ve said - or done - that has come back to bite
us. You may therefore think of Punishments as the embodiment of the proverb
‘what goes around comes around’!
相 Nevertheless, Punishments are more often than not psychological - rather

than physical - in effect, since they usually relate to how people feel about
something in their lives; be it an event, a person or a state of affairs. People
with Punishments in their BaZi Chart usually feel unhappy or dissatisfied on a
刑
perpetual basis. Their happiness is never enduring or long-lasting, and even
if they find themselves in good spirits, they are usually capable of finding
something to counter their feelings of happiness, and make them feel unhappy
again, as a result.
Generally speaking, a Punishment is NOT something we prefer to see in a

BaZi Chart. It is obviously not a good feature to have but of course, much
also depends on what is being affected by the Punishment Relationship is a
BaZi Chart, and how the Punishment manifests itself. This is because some
Punishments are tolerable, while some are more intense. Some make a
person behave in an extremely pessimistic manner, while others bring about
consequential events as a result of certain actions or inactions, which can
be treated as positive lessons for the future. Of course, in severe cases of
Punishment Relationships, the person affected may even face permanent or
long-lasting feelings of sadness, unhappiness, dejection or even depression.
Take heart, though, for the trick to dealing with Punishments is often not
difficult. Punishments are usually cause-and-effect situations, so it is often a
matter of either taking the right action, planning one’s actions or strategizing
one’s responses to certain situations. To do so, however, one would first have
to identify the type of Punishment involved, and the area or relationship that
it could potentially affect. Once we’ve taken cognizance of the area of the
problem and developed a sense of self-discipline in order to deal with it, the rest
lies in our ability to stick to the prescribed regime and manage our expectations
accordingly.
Bear in mind that the extent - or magnitude - of a Punishment would also

depend greatly on whether your favorable or unfavorable elements are involved.
If the Punishment involves your favorable elements, the problems will tend to
be tolerable and generally less harmful in effect. Conversely, a Punishment
that involves one’s unfavorable elements would tend to bring about much more
challenging problems, which hence require more effort to manage or counter.
Above all, one must possess the mental fortitude and support to do what it
takes to surmount a situation brought about by a Punishment - no matter how
severe - rather than allow its effects to dictate the situation and hence, one’s
life. Know that Punishments are not entirely unmanageable, and it is therefore
important to take charge of one’s life, rather than being held captive or dictated
to by prevailing circumstances!
1 - 17
1.Fundamentals
Punishment Relationships
There are four basic types of Punishment Relationships that may appear in
a BaZi Chart:
1) Ungrateful Punishment;
2) Bullying Punishment;
3) Uncivilized Punishment; and
4) Self-Punishment.
1) Ungrateful Punishment
寅刑巳
Yin Si
Tiger Punish Snake
巳刑申
Si Shen
Snake Punish Monkey
申刑寅
Shen Yin
Monkey Punish Tiger
An Ungrateful Punishment refers to situations where you offer someone

help - out of the goodness of your heart and without expecting anything
in return - only to end up getting into trouble or at the receiving end of the
flak as a result of your actions. When present in a BaZi Chart, Ungrateful
Punishments can bring about long-term unhappiness, discontent, pessimism
and even depression.
1 - 18
1.Fundamentals
2) Bullying Punishment
未刑戌刑丑
Wei Xu Chou
Goat Punish Dog Punish Ox
未刑丑
Wei Chou
Goat Punish Ox
丑刑戌
Chou Xu
Ox Punish Dog
戌刑未
Xu Wei
Dog Punish Goat
A Bullying Punishment refers to situations where a person gets into a

situation themselves to be helpless or without leverage or unable to do
anything to defend themselves - due to their own carelessness. Now,
although a Bullying Punishment only occurs when the Earthly Branches of
Wei 未 (Goat), Xu 戌 (Dog) and Chou 丑 (Ox) appear side-by-side in a BaZi
Chart, where there are only two of the three, a Bullying Punishment is also
considered to have taken place, even though its impact may not be so
significant or serious.
A Bullying Punishment can manifest in two possible ways: Internally and

Externally. An Internal Bullying Punishment literally means that you’re bullying
or punishing yourself unnecessarily, by perhaps pushing yourself too hard
or too far in an unreasonable manner. Meanwhile, an External Bullying
Punishment indicates the possibility of being bullied by someone else.
1 - 19
1.Fundamentals
Earthly Branches Punishments 地支自刑
3) Uncivilized Punishment
子刑卯
Zi Mao
Rat Punish Rabbit
卯刑子
Mao Zi
Rabbit Punish Rat
A person with an Uncivilized Punishment in his or her BaZi Chart tends to

be disloyal or go against something that they should be loyal or grateful
to. As such, an Uncivilized Punishment in moderate cases involves ‘biting
the hand that feeds you’. In severe cases, this sort of Punishment can
bring about - or pertain to - sexually-related issues, unhealthy desires or
harassment. One such example of severe Uncivilized Punishment is rape.
4) Self-Punishment
辰刑辰
Chen Chen
Dragon Punish Dragon
午刑午
Wu Wu
Horse Punish Horse
酉刑酉
You You
Rooster Punish Rooster
亥刑亥
Hai Hai
Pig Punish Pig
As its name implies, a Self-Punishment involves doing something that you

know is wrong, silly or just plain dumb - but proceed to do, anyway. In other
words, Self-Punishments usually pertain to inherent bad habits, such as
overindulgence in alcohol or nicotine, which can be resolved by identifying
the problem at hand, and fixing it while it is still manageable.
To qualify as a Self-Punishment, the Earthly Branches that form this

relationship must be next to one another in a BaZi Chart.
1 - 20
1.Fundamentals
The Five Elements 五行
The Five Elements
五 Representatives of Qi
You should be more than acquainted with the fact, by now, that the Five
Elements in the study of BaZi and classical Chinese Metaphysics are:
Water 水,
行
•
• Metal 金,
• Fire 火,
• Wood 木, and
• Earth 土.
These Elements are NOT to be taken at their literal or pure appearances.

You’re already acquainted with the concept of Yin and Yang. What you
now need to understand is that Yin and Yang interact with each other
continuously, and in the process, undergo 5 specific Qi transformation
phases.
As such, the Five Elements are used to represent the 5 phases of Qi, and
in BaZi, they are used to represent certain key attributes in a person’s BaZi
Chart. Put simply, the Five Elements are symbolic representations of the
characteristics of a Chart that will allow us to tell the type of person and his
or her personality, likes and dislikes, and potential in life.
For instance, Water represents Wisdom, Wood represents Benevolence,

Fire represents Elegance and Passion, Earth represents Trustworthiness
and Metal represents Justice and Righteousness. And just by looking
at these obvious elements, we are immediately able to know the type of
person whose BaZi Chart we are analyzing!
Of course, a certain amount of IMAGINATION or PICTORIAL DEPICTION is

required, to be able to VISUALIZE the elements as they appear in the BaZi
Chart.
And as these elements interact with each other naturally, it is important

for us to understand the 3 basic cycles of the interaction between the
Five Elements. These are the Productive Cycle, the Controlling Cycle and
the Weakening Cycle. In any case, always remember that the 3 Cycles
are always in motion, and as such, determine the outcome of the
interaction between the Elements in a BaZi Chart.
Now, although this part of Module 2 is basically a revision of what you’ve

studied in Module 1, it is perhaps wise for you to re-acquaint yourself
with these Cycles - given their indispensable importance in the study and
application of BaZi.
1 - 21
1.Fundamentals
Productive Cycle
生 Sheng
Fire
Wood 生 Earth
PRODUCTIVE
Water Metal
The Productive Cycle refers to the phase where the Elements support and
strengthen each other. This cycle is in harmony and in constant motion.
Think of it logically:
FireWater produces Wood. We need

Water nourishes plants, and therefore,
Wood to start a Fire, so Wood produces Fire. Now, when Fire reduces
Wood to ashes, these ashes return to the Earth - hence Fire produces
Earth! And where do we find Metal? From the Earth, of course! So, Earth
produces Metal. And then, we liquefy Metal to produce Water.
Wood 剋 Earth
CONTROLLING
Water Metal
Fire
Wood 洩 Earth
1 - 22 WEAKENING
PRODUCTIVE
1.Fundamentals
Water
The Five Elements 五行 Metal
Controlling Cycle
剋 Ke
Fire
Wood 剋 Earth
CONTROLLING
Water Metal
Remember what we talked about in relation to the concept of Yin and Yang
earlier?
BALANCE is a key concept we always strive for, in BaZi and indeed, all
other ramifications of Chinese Metaphysics
Fire - and this is where Control
comes in. Control is not necessarily a bad or negative thing; it’s merely a
check-and-balance measure to ensure the Elements are in harmony with
each other. Of course, there is such a thing as ‘Good’ Control - in keeping
things balanced - and ‘Bad’ Control - where too much pressure causes
things to crumble or collapse!
Now think carefully. Don’t we need Water to control or extinguish Fire? So,
Water controls
洩
WoodFire. Fire in turn is required to melt and mold
EarthMetal - Fire
makes Metal more malleable. So, Fire controls Metal! Now, we need an
WEAKENING
axe or a blade to cut Wood into smaller pieces (to convert it into something
useful like furniture, for example). Blades or axes are made of Metal, so
Metal controls Wood.
How do you prevent a landslide or soil erosion? You need trees or plants
Water Metal
to do the trick, and since trees are made of Wood and soil of Earth, we use
Wood to control Earth. Now, no matter how large a body of water such as a
lake or even ocean, it is still bordered by land. So, do you agree that Earth
controls Water in turn?
1 - 23
剋
CONTROLLING
1.Fundamentals
WaterElements 五行
The Five Metal
Weakening Cycle
洩 Xie
Fire
Wood 洩 Earth
WEAKENING
Water Metal
Once again, relate to the concept of Yin and Yang.
Too much of a strong thing is never too good, and we can’t achieve anything
when our resources are too weak, either. That’s exactly why we need to
also know how an Element can be used to weaken another Element - it’s all
about bringing Balance to our Destiny and lives!
In the Weakening Cycle, any Element that produces another Element is

weakened by the Element is produces. Think logically: If you used your
energy to make a chair, you have produced a chair, but your energy is
depleted, isn’t it?
So in the same sense, Earth produces Metal (refer to the Productive Cycle
learnt just now) and is therefore weakened by Metal. Water corrodes Metal,
so Water weakens Metal.
Now, plants need Water to survive, so would you agree that Wood weakens
Water? In turn, Fire burns Wood and reduces it to ashes, so Fire weakens
Wood. Once Fire has completely reduced Wood to ashes, it will be naturally
extinguished by Earth. Hence, Earth weakens Fire.
1 - 24
1.Fundamentals
The 3 Cycles & Their Roles in BaZi

Always bear in mind that one of the key concepts in BaZi - and other
Chinese Metaphysical fields, for that matter - is BALANCE. And one of
the means of establishing Balance in BaZi is by looking at the interaction
between the Five Elements, as illustrated via the 3 Cycles.
In other words, do we really want - or need - an Element (i.e. Qi) that is

already strong, to be further strengthened? Likewise, is it actually a good
thing to have too much of one Element (e.g. Water) in a person’s BaZi
Chart?
As an aspiring BaZi practitioner, surely you would be able to guess by

now that in order to establish Balance in a Chart, we use the 3 Cycles to
determine one’s Favorable, and Unfavorable Elements?
Now, as a rule of thumb;
An already-Strong Element favors Elements:
• That it Controls (i.e. Wealth Elements)

• That Control it (i.e. Influence Elements)
• That it Produces (i.e. Output Elements)
An already-Strong Element does not prefer:
• Elements that Produce it (i.e. Resource Elements)

• Elements that are the same as it (i.e. Companion Elements)
Meanwhile;
An already-Weak Element favors Elements:
• That Produce it (i.e. Resource Elements)

• That are the same as it (i.e. Companion Elements)
An already-Weak Element does not prefer:
• Elements that it Controls (i.e. Wealth Elements)

• Elements that Control it (i.e. Influence Elements)
• Elements that it Produces (i.e. Output Elements).
Of course, you should also be able to tell by the description of the preceding
relationships, that these form the very basis of the Ten Gods in BaZi!
1 - 25
1.Fundamentals
The 5 Elements Classics
• Wood is grown by Water, but Wood floats and is washed

away if there is too much Water.
• Wood can produce Fire, but Wood is consumed/burnt-off by

strong Fire.
• Wood can control Earth, but Wood is broken when the Earth
is too hard.
木 • Prosperous Wood receiving Metal becomes functional/

useable.
Wood
• Weak Wood meeting Metal is chopped-off/destroyed by
Metal.
• Strong/Growing Wood receiving Fire becomes charcoal.
• Fire is grown by Wood, but extinguished when there’s too

much Wood.
• Fire can produce Earth, but too much Earth makes the Fire
smoky and smoggy.
• Fire can control Metal, but is extinguished by strong Metal.
火 • Prosperous Fire receiving Water is balanced by Water.

Fire
• Weak Fire meeting Water is extinguished.
• Strong Fire receiving Earth is contained/controlled by the

Earth.
• Earth is grown by Fire, but a Fire that is too strong will

scorch it.
• Earth can produce Metal, but is weakened when it produces

too much Metal.
• Earth can control Water, but is washed away/eroded by too

much Water.
地 • Prosperous Earth receiving Wood is ventilated/aired by

Earth Wood.
• Weak Earth meeting Wood is snuffed-out.
• Strong Earth receiving Metal becomes sluggish.
1 - 26
1.Fundamentals
The 5 Elements Classics
• Metal is grown by Earth, but too much Earth conceals/

buries it.
• Metal can produce Water, but is immersed/sunk beneath

too much Water.
• Metal can control Wood, but is blunted by strong Wood.
金 • Prosperous Metal receiving Fire is forged and hence made

stronger.
Metal
• Weak Metal meeting Fire will be melted.
• Strong Metal receiving Water is rusted/corroded by Water.
• Water is grown by Metal, but becomes confused when there

is too much Metal.
• Water can produce Wood, but too much Wood dries up

Water.
• Water can control Fire, but a strong Fire will dry up Water.
• Prosperous Water receiving Earth is irrigated/controlled by

水 the Earth.
Water
• Weak Water meeting Earth is dissipated by the Earth.
• Strong Water receiving Wood is slowed down/controlled by

Wood.
1 - 27
1.Fundamentals
Strength of Elements
Day Master - Prosperous (日主強 ﹣旺)

A prosperous Day Master is one that is born during the peak of its Season.
As the Day Master is represented by one of the 5 Elements in the Heavenly
Stems, we can also describe a prosperous Day Master as the Element that
is born in the Season in which it is at its strongest. Hence, a prosperous Day
Master’s birth is also considered a timely birth.
Chart 1:
時 Hour 日 Day 月 Month 年 Year

天
壬干
Stems
Heavenly
Ren
Yang Water
Born in
子地
支
Branches
Earthly
Zi
Rat
Yang Water
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Take a look at Chart 1. It has a Ren 壬 Water Day Master, born in the Zi 子
month (i.e. mid-winter). Because Water is at its strongest (i.e. prosperous) in
winter, we therefore have a case of a prosperous Day Master here!
Day Master -
Prosperous • Born on peak of Season.
• Timely
日主強旺
Rooting 甲寅庚申己未
Jia Yin Geng Shen Ji Wei
通根 Wood Tiger Metal Monkey Earth Goat
Day Master,
seated on 甲子丙寅丁卯
Jia Zi Bing Yin Ding Mao
Reservoir
Wood Rat Fire Tiger Fire Rabbit
天干相生坐庫
Penetrating Qi 甲辰丁未
Jia Chen Ding Wei
通氣 Wood Dragon Fire Goat
1 - 28
1.Fundamentals
Rooting (通根)
Remember when we said that Hidden Stems form the Man part of the
Cosmic Trinity, and that no BaZi Chart would be complete without them?
That’s because a BaZi analysis would not be accurate, without the presence
of Hidden Stems mapped onto a BaZi Chart!
An element in the Heavenly Stem is considered Rooted, when it has

an identical element as the Main Qi in the Hidden Stems. This Rooted
relationship is strongest when the Hidden Stem that contains this Main Qi
is in the same pillar as the corresponding Heavenly Stem (i.e. the Main Qi
is located directly below the Heavenly Stem).
Chart 2(i):

天
甲干
Stems
Heavenly
Jia
Yang Wood
寅
地
Rooted 支
Branches
Earthly
Yin
Tiger
Yang Wood
戊甲丙
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Wu Jia Bing
+ Earth + Fire
Main Qi
Take a look at Chart 2(i) above. It has a Jia 甲 Wood element in the Heavenly
Stem (NB. We’re NOT concerned about which pillar of the Heavenly Stem
this element is located!), with a Yin寅(Tiger) Earthly Branch completing
the pillar. Now, the Yin 寅(Tiger) Earthly Branch also contains the Hidden
Stems of Jia 甲 Wood, Bing 丙 Fire and Wu 戊 Earth. However, as Jia
Wood represents the Main Qi of this particular Hidden Stem, we can hence
describe the Jia甲Wood element in the Heavenly Stem as Rooted to its
Main Qi of Jia Wood in the Hidden Stems.
1 - 29
1.Fundamentals
Chart 2(ii):

天
庚干
Stems
Heavenly
Geng
Yang Metal
申
地
Rooted 支
Branches
Earthly
Shen
Monkey
Yang Metal
戊庚壬
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Wu Geng Ren
+ Earth + Metal + Water
Main Qi
Let’s take another example, in Chart 2(ii). There’s a Geng 庚 Metal

Heavenly Stem, with a corresponding Shen 申 (Monkey) Earthly Branch.
Now, Shen 申 also contains the Hidden Stems of Geng 庚 Metal, Ren 壬
Water and Wu 戊 Earth - with Geng 庚 Metal representing the Main Qi. So,
isn’t it obvious that the Geng Metal Heavenly Stem is rooted in the Geng
Metal Main Qi contained within the Hidden Stems?
Chart 2(iii):

天
己干
Stems
Heavenly
Ji
Yin Earth
未
地
支
Branches
Earthly
Rooted Wei
Goat
Yin Earth
乙己丁
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Yi Ji Ding
- Wood - Earth - Fire
Main Qi
Remember; the Rooted relationship is at its strongest when the Heavenly

Stem element is located within the same pillar as its corresponding Main
Qi. However, we can also consider a Heavenly Stem element to be rooted
as long as its Main Qi is contained in any of the Hidden Stems, within any of
the 4 Pillars of a BaZi Chart. For instance, take a look at Chart 2(iii) above.
The Ji 己 Earth Heavenly Stem is located in the Month pillar, and there’s a
Wei 未 (Goat) Earthly Branch in the Year pillar. Now, Wei 未 also contains
the Hidden Stems of Ji 己 Earth, Ding 丁 Fire and Yi 乙 Wood - with Ji
Earth representing the Main Qi. So, we can also say that the Ji Earth is
rooted in the Wei’s Main Qi of Ji Earth - although this Rooted relationship is
NOT as strong as the examples given in Charts 2(i) and 2(ii)!
1 - 30
1.Fundamentals
Day Master, seated on Reservoir

(天干相生坐庫)
Take a look at Examples 3(i), (ii) and (iii) below:
Example 3(i): Example 3(ii): Example 3(iii):
甲 Jia
丙 Bing
丁 Ding
Yang Wood Yang Fire Yin Fire
Produces Produces Produces
子 Zi
寅 Yin
卯 Mao
Rat Tiger Rabbit

Yang Water Yang Wood Yin Wood
Recall what you’ve learnt about the Productive Cycle. A Day Master is
considered to be seated on its Reservoir, when it is directly above the
element that produces it. For instance, in Example 3(i), the Jia 甲 Wood
Day Master is seated above a Zi 子 (Rat) Earthly Branch, which also
represents Yang Water. Now, Yang Water produces Yang Wood, right?
Likewise, Example 3(ii) shows how a Bing 丙 Fire Day Master is seated
on a Yin 寅(Tiger) Reservoir, which represents Yang Wood. We need Yang
Wood to produce Bing Fire. And in Example 3(iii), a Ding 丁 Fire Day
Master is seated above a Mao 卯 (Rabbit) Reservoir, which also represents
Yin Wood. No prizes for guessing that Yin Wood is used to produce Ding
Fire!
1 - 31
1.Fundamentals
Penetrating Qi (通氣)
The Hidden Stems contain Main Qi, and in some cases, Secondary or
Subsidiary Qi. While their effects are not as strong as those of the Main Qi,
they still play a role in a relationship known as Penetrating Qi. To illustrate
this point better, take a look at the examples below:
Example 4(i): Example 4(ii):
甲Jia
丁
Ding
Yang Wood Yin Fire
Penetrates Penetrates
辰
Chen
未
Wei
Dragon Goat
Yang Earth Yin Earth
癸Gui 戊 Wu
乙 Yi
乙 Yi 己 Ji
丁
Ding
- Water + Earth - Wood - Wood - Earth - Fire
Regardless of the pillar in which these elements are located in a BaZi Chart,
Penetrating Qi is present when a Hidden Stem is of the SAME element
as the one in the Heavenly Stem. (And remember; we’re talking about
Secondary Qi here) In Example 4(i), there is a Yi 乙 Wood Secondary Qi in
the Hidden Stems, which corresponds to the Jia 甲 Wood Heavenly Stem.
In Example 4(ii), there’s a Ding 丁 Fire Hidden Stem that corresponds to
the Ding Fire Heavenly Stem. Regardless of polarity, as long as they are of
the same element (i.e. Wood-Wood; Fire-Fire), a case of Penetrating Qi is
considered to take place.
1 - 32
1.Fundamentals
Strength of Stems vs Branch
1. 天干得一劫，不如地支一墓庫
Even if the Heavenly Stem has one companion (i.e. Friend / Rob
Wealth), it is not as good as one Graveyard Branch (i.e. one of the 4
Graveyards of Chen 辰 (Dragon), Xu 戌 (Dog), Chou 丑 (Ox), Wei 未
(Goat).

天
壬癸干
Stems
Heavenly
Ren Gui
Yang Water Yin Water
辰
地
支
Branches
Earthly
Chen
Dragon
Yang Earth
癸戊乙
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Gui Wu Yi
- Water + Earth - Wood
Companions
the Qi of Gui Water Hidden Stem is

stronger than the combined Qi of Ren
Water & Gui Water Heavenly Stems
1 - 33
1.Fundamentals
2. 天干得二劫，不如地支一餘氣
Even if there are two Heavenly Stems that are Companions, their
combined Qi is not as strong as one leftover Qi.

天
壬癸癸干
Stems
Heavenly
Ren Gui Gui
Yang Water Yin Water Yin Water
丑
地
(≠) 支
Branches
Earthly
Chou
Ox
Yin Earth
藏干
Stems
Hidden
辛
Xin 己 Ji
癸
Gui
- Metal - Earth - Water
Companions
1 - 34
1.Fundamentals
3. 天干得三劫，不如地支一長生
Even if there are three Heavenly Stems that are companions, their
combined strength is not stronger than the Qi of one Earthly Branch
"Growth"

天
癸壬癸壬干
Stems
Heavenly
Gui Ren Gui Ren
Yin Water Yang Water Yin Water Yang Water
(≠)
申
地
支
Branches
Earthly
Shen
Monkey
Yang Metal
藏干
Stems
Hidden
戊
Wu 庚Geng
壬
Ren
+ Earth + Metal + Water
Companions
"Growth" of Water
1 - 35
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
Now, there are 10 Heavenly Stems, and 12 Earthly Branches, aren’t there? When these
are paired together vertically on the pillars of a BaZi Chart, there’s always bound to
be 2 missing Earthly Branches! It’s a simple matter of permutation and combination.
Consequently, from the pairings of the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches, we’re
able to derive 60 possible Jia Zi (Day Pillars). And the outstanding 2 Earthly Branches are
called Death & Emptiness!
60 Jia Zi 甲子
甲寅甲辰甲午甲申甲戌甲子
Jia Yin Jia Chen Jia Wu Jia Shen Jia Xu Jia Zi
Wood Tiger Wood Dragon Wood Horse Wood Monkey Wood Dog Wood Rat
乙卯乙巳乙未乙酉乙亥乙丑
Yi Mao Yi Si Yi Wei Yi You Yi Hai Yi Chou
Wood Rabbit Wood Snake Wood Goat Wood Rooster Wood Pig Wood Ox
丙辰丙午丙申丙戌丙子丙寅
Bing Chen Bing Wu Bing Shen Bing Xu Bing Zi Bing Yin
Fire Dragon Fire Horse Fire Monkey Fire Dog Fire Rat Fire Tiger
丁巳丁未丁酉丁亥丁丑丁卯
Ding Si Ding Wei Ding You Ding Hai Ding Chou Ding Mao
Fire Snake Fire Goat Fire Rooster Fire Pig Fire Ox Fire Rabbit
戊午戊申戊戌戊子戊寅戊辰
Wu Shen
Wu Wu Wu Xu Wu Zi Wu Yin Wu Chen
Earth
Earth Horse Earth Dog Earth Rat Earth Tiger Earth Dragon
Monkey
己未
Ji Wei
己酉
Ji You
己亥
Ji Hai
己丑
Ji Chou
己卯
Ji Mao
己巳
Ji Si 60 Jia Zi
Earth Goat Earth Rooster Earth Pig Earth Ox Earth Rabbit Earth Snake
庚申庚戌庚子庚寅庚辰庚午
Geng Shen Geng Xu Geng Zi Geng Yin Geng Chen Geng Wu
Metal Monkey Metal Dog Metal Rat Metal Tiger Metal Dragon Metal Horse
辛酉辛亥辛丑辛卯辛巳辛未
Xin You Xin Hai Xin Chou Xin Mao Xin Si Xin Wei
Metal Rooster Metal Pig Metal Ox Metal Rabbit Metal Snake Metal Goat
壬戌壬子壬寅壬辰壬午壬申
Ren Xu Ren Zi Ren Yin Ren Chen Ren Wu Ren Shen
Water Dog Water Rat Water Tiger Water Dragon Water Horse Water Monkey
癸亥癸丑癸卯癸巳癸未癸酉
Gui Hai Gui Chou Gui Mao Gui Si Gui Wei Gui You
Water Pig Water Ox Water Rabbit Water Snake Water Goat Water Rooster
子丑寅卯辰巳午未申酉戌亥 Death &
Xu Chou Yin Mao Chen Si Wu Wei Shen You Xu Hai
Rat Ox Tiger Rabbit Dragon Snake Horse Goat Monkey Rooster Dog Pig Emptiness
1 - 36
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
What is the meaning of Death & Emptiness 空亡 in BaZi?
空
There’s no need to be spooked or alarmed by the term ‘Death & Emptiness’.
For now, just take it as one of the many BaZi terminologies with ‘interesting’
names! When there’s a Earthly Branch character that denotes Death &
Emptiness, it merely means that the effect or impact of whatever event that
takes place will be reduced or mitigated by half (i.e. 50%). And as long as
亡
it’s not even in the Earthly Branches, you have NOTHING to worry about!
So there’s nothing so scary about this term. For instance, if a Useful God
is in Death & Emptiness, it merely means that the Useful God won’t be as
strong or helpful as it should be.
1 - 37
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
年柱空亡
Year Pillar Meet Death + Emptiness
Chart 1.

天
壬干
Stems
Heavenly
Ren
Yang Water
辰未
地
支
Branches
Earthly
Chen Wei
Dragon Goat
Yang Earth Yin Earth
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Reference Pillar Death &
Emptiness
Take a look at Chart 1. It has a Ren Water-Chen (Dragon) Jia Zi. Now look
at the Earthly Branch of the Year Pillar. There’s a Wei (Goat) present. If
you refer to the 60 Jia Zi table, you’ll see that Wei is one of the Death &
Emptiness for a Ren-Chen Jia Zi. Hence, we can say that this is a case of a
Year Pillar meeting Death & Emptiness. As the Year Pillar also represents the
Grandparents, there may be a problem affecting this person’s grandparents
- although we have yet to ascertain the severity of the problem.
1 - 38
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
月柱空亡
Month Pillar Meet Death + Emptiness
Chart 2.

天
甲干
Stems
Heavenly
Jia
Yang Wood
寅丑
地
支
Branches
Earthly
Yin Chou
Tiger Ox
Yang Wood Yin Earth
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Reference Pillar Death &
Emptiness
Now take a look at Chart 2 above. We have a Jia Wood-Yin (Tiger) Jia Zi.
Now look at the Earthly Branch of the Month Pillar - it contains a Chou (Ox).
Using the 60 Jia Zi table, you can see that one of the Death & Emptiness
for a Jia-Yin Jia Zi is Chou. When a Death & Emptiness is present in a
Month Pillar, it indicates hindrances and obstacles in life. (NB. This does
NOT mean that this person will be a failure in life, though!). On a more
personal note, it also indicates a lost sibling - a brother or sister you’ve
never met, simply because he or she passed away before you were born,
or a miscarriage that befell your mother.
1 - 39
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
日柱空亡
Day Pillar Meet Death + Emptiness
Chart 3.

天
壬干
Stems
Heavenly
Ren
Yang Water
辰
地
支
Branches
Earthly
Chen
Dragon
Yang Earth
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Reference Pillar
Death &
Emptiness
88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 8
大
運
午未 Luck Pillars
Wu Wei
Horse Goat
Yang Fire Yin Earth
Let’s take the example given in Chart 3, which has the same Ren-Chen Jia
Zi as Example 1. But unlike Chart 1, there’s no Death & Emptiness in any
of the other Earthly Branch pillars. We now look at the 10 Luck Pillars -
that determine the type of luck a person will undergo during specific ages
of his/her life. It so happens that both the Death & Emptiness branches
for Ren-Chen are present, side-by-side, in the forms of Wei (Goat) and
Wu (Horse). This means that this person will undergo Death & Emptiness
during the Chinese ages of 18 to 37. (Your Chinese Age = Western Age
+ 1 year) What this translates to is that this person will not enjoy a good
relationship or affinity with his/her significant other or spouse!
1 - 40
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
時柱空亡
Hour Pillar Meet Death + Emptiness
Chart 4.

天
戊干
Stems
Heavenly
Wu
Yang Earth
卯申
地
支
Branches
Earthly
Mao Shen
Rabbit Monkey
Yin Wood Yang Metal
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Death & Reference Pillar
Emptiness
Now look at Chart 4. We’ve a Wu Earth-Shen (Monkey) Jia Zi here, and a

Zi (Rat) as the Earthly Branch of the Hour Pillar. This is a case of the Hour
Pillar meeting Death & Emptiness; and since the Hour Pillar also represents
a person’s children or offspring, it indicates a poor relationship or affinity
with one’s children. In more severe cases, hopeful parents might not be
able to produce children - i.e. start a family.
1 - 41
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
三空反富貴
Three Emptiness Equals 'Wealth-iness'
Chart 5.
Reference Pillar

天
丁干
Stems
Heavenly
Ding
Yin Fire
寅未卯卯
地
支
Branches
Earthly
Yin Wei Mao Mao
Tiger Goat Rabbit Rabbit

Yang Wood Yin Earth Yin Wood Yin Wood
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Death & Emptiness
Be very careful when you interpret the meaning of this saying. In Chart 5,
we have the Ding Fire-Wei (Goat) Jia Zi surrounded by 3 Death & Emptiness
Earthly Branches - consisting of Mao (Rabbit) and Yin (Tiger). And this
indicates someone who’s so inclined to spiritual or religious pursuits, that
this person immerses him/herself into spiritual matters fully! So yes, this
person would be ‘wealthy’ or ‘rich’ with spiritual knowledge and wisdom,
but that doesn’t usually make him or her financially sound!
1 - 42
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
命帶空亡
Emptiness in Natal Chart
This is basically a derivation of Chart 5, albeit to a less-severe extent.

An Emptiness in a Natal (BaZi) Chart happens when any of the Earthly
Branches (except for the Earthly Branch of the Day Pillar, of course!) are
in Death & Emptiness. It could be the Year Pillar, Month Pillar or Hour
Pillar. And this indicates a tendency or inclination towards spiritual or
religious matters.
1 - 43
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
有合可解空
Combination Relieves Emptiness
Chart 6.
Reference Pillar

天
癸干
Stems
Heavenly
Gui
Yin Water
卯巳申地
支
Branches
Earthly
Mao Si Shen
Rabbit Snake Monkey

Yin Wood Yin Earth Yang Metal
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Combine & Neutralize
Look at Chart 6. It shows a Gui Water-Mao (Rabbit) Jia Zi. The Death &
Emptiness of Gui Mao Pillar is Chen (辰) Dragon and Si (巳) Snake. Notice
that this person is born in and Si (巳) Snake Month. Which is the Death &
Emptiness. In the context of combination relieves emptiness, the Shen (
申) Monkey in the year branch will combine with the Si (巳) Snake (Earth
Branch 6 Combinations) and thus neutralizing the Death & Emptiness. In
other words rendering Death & Emptiness null and void.
1 - 44
1.Fundamentals
Death and Emptiness
福星能解空
Noble Stars Can Relieve Emptiness
Chart 7.

天
壬干
Stems
Heavenly
Ren
Yang Water
辰卯未
地
支
Branches
Earthly
Chen Mao Wei
Dragon Rabbit Goat

Yang Earth Yin Wood Yin Earth
藏干
Stems
Hidden
Relieve & Neutralize
Noble Stars refer to Noble People who will help you in life. Now take a
look at Chart 7. For a Ren (壬) Water person, the noblemen star are Mao (
卯) Rabbit and Si (巳) Snake. The Death & Emptiness will be Wu (午) Horse
and Wei (未) Goat for a Ren Chen (壬辰) Day Pillar. By having the Mao (卯)
Rabbit which is the Nobleman Star for the Ren Chen (壬辰) Day Pillar will
relieve and neutralized the Death & Emptiness of Wei (未) Goat in the Year
Branch.
天乙貴人 Nobleman Star
天德貴人 Heavenly Virtue Noble Star
福星 Fortune Star
將星 The General Star
1 - 45
2
THE 10 GODS

01 BZM2 Mastering Ur Future - Fundamentals

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Copyright © 2010by Joey Yap Research International Sdn. Bhd.

You need no better example than the sun! (Key

Elton John’s ‘Candle in the Wind’ comes to mind.

The great rocks and boulders - something like

Soil, soft sand...the sort of earth that is used to

A sword or an axe would be a good example!

We’re talking about polished ornaments and flashy

Think the great oceans of the world, roaring

The 12 Earthly Branches

寅 Yin Tiger Yang Wood Feb 3 am - 5 am

夏 午 Wu Horse Yang Fire Jun 11 am - 1 pm

申 Shen Monkey Yang Metal Aug 3 pm - 5 pm

秋 酉 You Rooster Yin Metal Sep 5 pm - 7pm

亥 Hai Pig Yin Water Nov 9 pm - 11 pm

冬 子 Zi Rat Yang Water Dec 11 pm - 1 am

Earthly Branches each contain or store certain ‘Heavenly Stems’. These

Here’s a fact: The true nature of a Branch is determined by the main

The Four Cardinals (四正)

The Four Growths (四生)

The Four Graveyards (四墓)

• Time (the Seasons)

The Seasons: The Strongest Factor in Determining the Strength of

The Day Master

Ultimately, the strength of a BaZi Chart is determined by the strength of

Metal is at its most prosperous in Autumn, and in other words, in

Do note as well that BaZi practitioners sometimes recognize the presence

In this context, Earth is interpreted uniquely, by determining the ‘ending’

For easy reference, look at the following table:

Earth Months Seasons

Chen 辰 (Dragon) Spring Earth

Wei 未 (Goat) Summer Earth

Xu 戌 (Dog) Autumn Earth

Chou 丑 (Ox) Winter Earth

As the strength of the Five Elements represent the strength of Qi - and

In other words, by understanding what Prosperous, Strong, Weak, Trap

旺 Qi is prosperous, thriving and in perfect timing

Growing, upcoming and hence, vibrant, Qi is

Xiu Qi is Qi that is at its ebb or retreating

Qi that is trapped, slow moving and therefore

死 As its name implies, Si - or Dead - Qi indicates,

Above all, remember that 3 factors determine the strength of Qi (as

地 A Clash (Chong 沖), in BaZi, involves an opposing or repelling relationship

The Circumstances leading to a Clash

• Loss of relationship; • Loss of object or possession;

Obviously, the description of each of the preceding outcomes brought

The Implications of a Clash

Obviously, this sort of blanket approach is not always correct. Although

Ask yourself: Isn’t a Clash that removes an unfavorable element in a BaZi

Sometimes, a Clash brings about unfavorable outcomes, but sometimes, it

Above all, do bear in mind that a Clash in a BaZi Chart represents an

The solution to a problem or circumstance brought about by a Clash is to

Simple examples of a Harm relationship include someone stealing your

In either case, it hurts, doesn’t it?

When does a Harm take place?

Each type of Harm relationship is unique and carries a distinct interpretation

A Harm, of course, usually takes us by surprise, but it is only able to do

The correct philosophy and approach towards Harms, in BaZi, is hence to

That, in essence, summarizes why we study BaZi, in the first place.

The Punished and the Punisher

支 A Punishment Relationship can essentially be explained as a situation that is

相 Nevertheless, Punishments are more often than not psychological - rather

Generally speaking, a Punishment is NOT something we prefer to see in a

夏午 Wu Horse Yang Fire Jun 11 am - 1 pm

秋酉 You Rooster Yin Metal Sep 5 pm - 7pm

冬子 Zi Rat Yang Water Dec 11 pm - 1 am